Benson will play an unconventional love interest for one member of the gang in the Jan. 21 episode. Which member? In announcing the casting news Wednesday night, CBS tweeted that she will be… “Barney’s ????” Hmm…

Meanwhile, a rep for the show would neither confirm or deny buzz that Rachel Bilson is poised to return as Cindy, the roommate of Ted’s future bride — but consider this: Earlier this week, HIMYM co-creator Carter Bays told TVGuide.com that Ted will run into someone from his past who will have a “big influence on his search for the mother.”

The Hart of Dixie star last appeared in a Season 6 installment during which she revealed — after a brief flirtation with Ted — that she’s a lesbian.